In the past, clashes between Manchester United and Liverpool have served up spectacles and Sunday's edition at Old Trafford was no exception. While controversies generated by referee decisions became the order of the day in those times, an added element assumed center-stage in the newest encounter between the pair - technology.
The intensity of the proceeding unraveled steadily as the game commenced and it was Manchester United who began to ask the right questions from the onset. Indeed, the resilience of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's side was duly rewarded in the 36th minute albeit presenting the first big talking point of the classic encounter.
A fast break initiated by Scott McTominay resulted in Daniel James assisting Marcus Rashford for the Red Devils' first goal of the game. However, before the Scottish midfielder got hold of the ball to play the through pass to the scorer's provider, Victor Lindelof appeared to have clipped Divock Origi from behind.
With referee Martin Atkinson failing to spot the infringement, many expected the Video Assistant Referee to rectify the error but that was not the case as the goal was made to stand.
Moments later, Liverpool had the opportunity to restore parity through Sadio Mane. However, before the Senegalese forward could slot the ball home, he apparently controlled the pass with his arm and a VAR check canceled the leveller for the visitors. Watch both incidents below and be the judge:
GOALLL! Marcus Rashford scores to put Manchester United 1-0 up. Wonderful cross from Daniel James.
— Joe Prince-Wright (@JPW_NBCSports) October 20, 2019
VAR checked the goal after what looked like a foul on Origi, but the goal stands.
Massive moment in #MUNLIV. Turn on @NBCSN now!#MUFC 1-0 #LFCpic.twitter.com/RlEIxcVJsW
Mane's disallowed goal:
No Goal!
— DAZN Canada (@DAZN_CA) October 20, 2019
Sadio Mane's equaliser has been whistled back for a handball in the lead-up!#MUNLIV pic.twitter.com/wRLgrbnVxB